Our bodies and minds go hand-in-hand
We often think of our physical health and mental health as entirely separate entities, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The two are so closely linked that it’s incredibly difficult to have one without the other: when we’re unwell, it has a huge impact on our wellbeing; when we’re suffering from mental illness, the signs show in our bodies.
Understanding this link is really important if you want to improve your form.
When we’re in poor physical health or suffering from an illness, it can be harder for us to make healthy lifestyle choices; we might struggle to exercise, reduce our social interactions, or choose foods for convenience rather than nutrition – and all of these things can have a negative impact on our mental health.
For people who live with a chronic health condition, the link between mental and physical health is even more pronounced. As well as physical issues, chronic illness can lead to:
Emotional stress
Mental fatigue
Low energy levels
Depression or anxiety
Loss of identity
Poor self-esteem
Sleeplessness
Substance abuse
Anger and frustration
Rumination and magnification
Feelings of helplessness
A lot of these things can of course be experienced by people with short-term illness, too.
Looking after our whole self
Over the past year, we’ve all been focusing on our mental and physical health with a little more urgency. We’ve wanted to give ourselves the best chance of beating the virus should it come our way, while trying not to sink under the weight of worry and isolation.
In people with chronic illness, a sense of community – along with hope and purpose – has been proven to make a real difference to levels of wellbeing. And while your health journey is an incredibly personal thing, there will always be certain steps that you can take to keep your mind and body as well as can be.
Reducing alcohol intake, giving up smoking, moving more, getting enough fresh air, eating a balanced diet, and staying connected with others can all help to protect against ill health, and the effects that come along with it.
